10. Fact-Checking Websites

Revealing Who’s Behind the Screen

Robert Bourgoing/20 November 2024

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Examining the domain name can provide valuable insights. Extensions like .gov, .gouv, or .int are reserved for official entities, offering a degree of credibility, whereas domains like .com or .org are open to anyone, so they don’t guarantee authenticity.

The quality of a site’s content and design is another important clue. Poorly executed layouts, generic stock photos, or plagiarized text can indicate a lack of legitimacy. For example, a fake banking site might display low-quality graphics or misrepresentative images.

Checking for contact information is essential. Legitimate websites often provide detailed addresses and phone numbers on their “About Us” or “Contact” pages. These can be verified using tools like Google Maps or Street View. Fake sites, on the other hand, may omit contact details or provide false addresses.

References to the site on external pages can help clarify its reputation. A tailored Google query excluding the site itself ("exampledomain" -site:exampledomain.com) often reveals warnings or discussions about its legitimacy.

Sometimes scammers clone legitimate websites entirely. Comparing the content of the site in question with the original can help detect these attempts, often used in phishing schemes to collect sensitive information.

Databases like Artists Against 419 are excellent tools for identifying known scams. By consulting such resources and staying observant, you can assess sites with confidence and ensure their trustworthiness.

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